Podcast
Questions and Answers
In Table Tennis, a player must serve the ball behind the ______ line.
In Table Tennis, a player must serve the ball behind the ______ line.
baseline
The ______ is the player who receives the serve and must return the ball over the net.
The ______ is the player who receives the serve and must return the ball over the net.
receiver
Players take turns serving ______ times before switching service.
Players take turns serving ______ times before switching service.
two
A ______ occurs if the served ball hits the net but still lands in the correct service box.
A ______ occurs if the served ball hits the net but still lands in the correct service box.
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Points are scored when the opponent fails to ______ the ball back over the net.
Points are scored when the opponent fails to ______ the ball back over the net.
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In a match, players must play to a total of ______ points to win.
In a match, players must play to a total of ______ points to win.
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A player must win by at least a ______ point margin in a match.
A player must win by at least a ______ point margin in a match.
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In Table Tennis, after each game, players typically ______ sides.
In Table Tennis, after each game, players typically ______ sides.
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The net is ______ wide and stretched across the middle of the table.
The net is ______ wide and stretched across the middle of the table.
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An ITTF approved table surface must be in a ______ or blue color.
An ITTF approved table surface must be in a ______ or blue color.
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In table tennis, the pen hold grip is also known as the ______ penhold style.
In table tennis, the pen hold grip is also known as the ______ penhold style.
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The shakehand grip may also be referred to as the ______ grip.
The shakehand grip may also be referred to as the ______ grip.
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The backhand grip is similar to the forehand, but the ______ is usually placed on the back of the blade.
The backhand grip is similar to the forehand, but the ______ is usually placed on the back of the blade.
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Maneuvering the ball by putting a spin or different types of shots is referred to as ______.
Maneuvering the ball by putting a spin or different types of shots is referred to as ______.
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When performing a forehand drive, keep the upper arm close, but not ______, to the torso.
When performing a forehand drive, keep the upper arm close, but not ______, to the torso.
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During strokes, players should shift their weight toward the ______ foot.
During strokes, players should shift their weight toward the ______ foot.
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If the player, the racket or anything that the player wears touches the ______ while the ball is in play.
If the player, the racket or anything that the player wears touches the ______ while the ball is in play.
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A game shall be won by the player or pair first scoring ______ points.
A game shall be won by the player or pair first scoring ______ points.
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If the player strikes the ball ______ in succession, it is considered a fault.
If the player strikes the ball ______ in succession, it is considered a fault.
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During the service, if the server stomps a ______, it is a fault.
During the service, if the server stomps a ______, it is a fault.
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Warming up helps get your body ready for the rapid coordinated moves of ______ tennis.
Warming up helps get your body ready for the rapid coordinated moves of ______ tennis.
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Players need about ______ minutes to warm up adequately before a match.
Players need about ______ minutes to warm up adequately before a match.
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A match in table tennis shall consist of the best of any odd number of ______.
A match in table tennis shall consist of the best of any odd number of ______.
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Cooling down after play helps prevent ______ in table tennis.
Cooling down after play helps prevent ______ in table tennis.
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Study Notes
Table Tennis Overview
- Table tennis, also known as ping pong, is a fast-paced racket sport played on a table divided by a net.
- Two or four players can participate, usually indoors.
History
- The game evolved along with badminton and lawn tennis in the 1880s.
- An early version used a cloth-covered rubber ball, strung racket, and wooden fences around the table in the 1890s.
- The celluloid ball was introduced in the 1900s, changing the game's name to “ping-pong” due to the ball’s sound.
- The game became known as “Table Tennis” in the 1920s.
- The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) was established in Berlin in 1926.
- The United States Table Tennis Association (USTTA) was established in 1933.
- Asia became the dominant force in table tennis starting in the 1950s, with few exceptions.
Equipment
-
Racket:
- The striking surface must be covered with pimpled rubber with pimples facing inward or outward.
- A single layer of cellular (sponge) rubber can be placed underneath the rubber surface.
- The two surfaces of the blade are black on one side and bright red on the other.
- Most rackets measure around 15 cm (6 inches) in width and 25 cm (10 inches) in length.
-
Ball:
- Small, celluloid, spherical, white or yellow in color, 40mm in diameter, and weighs 2.7 g.
- It’s fragile but hard to break unless stepped on.
- An ITTF approved standard ball bounces consistently - it should bounce 8 3/4 to 9 3/4 inches (24-26 cm) when dropped from a height of 12 inches (30.5cm) on a plywood table.
-
Table:
- 2.74 m (9 ft) long, 1.525 m (5 ft) wide, and 76 cm (30 inch) high.
- Made of Masonite (a type of hardboard) or similar material, with a smooth, low-friction coating.
- The table surface is divided into two halves with a 15.25 cm (6 inch) high net.
- An ITTF approved table surface must be green or blue.
-
Net:
- 6ft wide and stretched across the middle of the table.
- Extends to the sides with a height of 15.25cm (6inch).
Basic Skills
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Grips:
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Pen Hold:
- Gripped like a writing instrument.
- The Chinese penhold style curls the middle, ring, and fourth fingers on the back of the blade, always keeping them touching.
-
Shakehand:
- Gripped similar to a handshake.
- Also known as the "tennis grip” or the “Western grip.”
- Popular among players from Western and South Asian nations.
-
Forehand Grip:
- The short handle is gripped closely to the blade, the blade partially held in the hand, and the forefinger and thumb brace opposite sides of the table.
- The index finger is positioned behind the table blade for support.
-
Backhand Grip:
- The same as forehand but the thumb is usually placed on the back of the blade.
-
Pen Hold:
-
Pointer for Gripping the Racket:
- Do not hold the racket too tightly; stay relaxed.
- Keep the wrist firm and rotate the forearm to adjust the blade angle as needed.
- Face slightly to the side for most forehand and backhand shots.
- Constantly check the racket hand to ensure it is not dropped because the wrist is bent.
- Regularly check the thumb and index finger to keep them in the proper place.
Strokes:
- Maneuvering the ball by adding spin or using various shots that change the ball’s flight on the table.
Forehand Drive Strokes:
- Keep the upper arm close to, but not flush with, the torso.
- The forearm (forms a rough 90-degree bend with the upper arm) should be drawn back to the 3 o'clock position, allowing the waist to turn naturally with the arm.
- Shift your weight towards the right foot at the same time.
Game
- A game is won by the first player or pair to score 11 points unless both players or pairs score 10 points, in which case the game is won by the first player or pair that gains a 2-point lead.
Match
- A match consists of the best of any odd number of games.
Safety and Etiquette
- Warming up is crucial to prepare the body for the rapid, coordinated movements of table tennis.
- A light jog, jump rope, and stretching help loosen muscles and prepare for optimal performance.
- Warming up before playing is important and helps reduce muscle and joint injuries.
- Ideally, begin with a general warm-up (stretching and jogging) followed by a specific warm-up such as playing gentle shots with another player for the first 2-3 minutes, gradually increasing pace and tempo.
- Players need approximately 15 minutes to warm up properly.
- Cooling down after playing is important to prevent injuries.
- Avoid lying down immediately after playing; walk around or do some simple stretches to cool down and relax the body.
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Description
Explore the fascinating evolution and impact of table tennis, also known as ping pong. This quiz covers its history, equipment specifications, and how it became a popular sport worldwide. Test your knowledge about the game's beginnings and essential gear!
